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Altitude Compensating Nozzles Project
Completed
TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
Description
An Altitude Compensating Nozzle (ACN) enables the nozzle flow to adjust with the ambient pressure as it decreases with altitude so that the plume is never significantly over or under-expanded. The performance of ACNs can be near optimal over most of the flight. Hence, mission integrated performance with an ACN could be higher than with a Conventional Bell (CB) nozzle. The purpose is to advance the TRL of ACNs through static ground tests, and ultimately by demonstrating this technology through flight test. The primary near-term objective is to advance Dual Bell (DB) nozzle technology, and ultimately the team has plans to advance the TRL of other ACN conceptual designs (e.g. aerospike, clustered aerospike, etc.).
Benefits
A study at MSFC shows that a 1st stage aerospike nozzle produces: Up to a 3% gain in 1st stage average Isp and Thrust. Up to a 10% payload benefit in Delta IV Medium to LEO.
Details
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: AFRC CIF (AFRC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA |
| Start date | 2011-01-01 |
| End date | 2013-12-01 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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